Cedar Rapids vs Sioux City: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,635 | $92,820▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.05 | $44.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,272 | $70,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,239 | $78,119▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,099▲ | $105,509 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,619▲ | $119,584 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Sioux City are closely matched on overall nuclear medicine technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Sioux City is $1,185 (1.29%). Sioux City's median is -12.76% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $55,347,Sioux City spans $48,880. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux City ($102,677 effective) pays 1.29% more than Cedar Rapids ($101,366 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,619)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,820/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,677)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 15.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$75,508 (2024) → $87,305 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$76,485 (2024) → $88,434 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Cedar Rapids or Sioux City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Sioux City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Sioux City as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Sioux City?
Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov